LED Array for Disinfection with Spatial UV-C and UV-A Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation systems for disinfection, particularly in public spaces, face limitations in selecting specific UV wavelengths and intensities to effectively inactivate bacteria and viruses while minimizing harm to humans, due to the potential for side effects such as ozone production and vitamin D interference.
Innovation Solution
A radiation generating system comprising multiple light sources with different centroid wavelengths and beam angles, allowing for spatial control of UV radiation distribution, where more effective UV-C radiation is concentrated at specific locations while safer UV-A and UV-B radiation surrounds it, minimizing exposure to harmful UV-C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV-C radiation is used for disinfection, then disinfection efficacy is improved, but harmful effects on humans increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different UV wavelengths with different beam angles to create spatially differentiated radiation zones. UV-C lights (200-280nm) with narrow beam angles (15-30 degrees) are positioned to target specific surfaces, while UV-A lights (315-400nm) with wider beam angles (45-90 degrees) surround them to provide safe ambient illumination. This spatial differentiation allows high-intensity UV-C disinfection at targeted locations while maintaining human safety in surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (single wavelength) to a multi-dimensional approach by combining multiple UV wavelengths (UV-C and UV-A) with different beam angles. This creates a three-dimensional radiation distribution where the vertical and horizontal angles are optimized independently, allowing UV-C to concentrate on surfaces below while UV-A provides safe overhead illumination, thus resolving the contradiction between disinfection efficacy and human safety.
2Productivity
If UV radiation intensity is increased, then disinfection capacity is improved, but exposure risk to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different intensity levels and beam angles to different UV sources. UV-C lights operate at high intensity with narrow beam angles (15-30 degrees) to maximize disinfection capacity at targeted surfaces, while UV-A lights operate at lower intensity with wider beam angles (45-90 degrees) to provide safe ambient illumination, thus achieving high productivity without increasing overall exposure risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the UV radiation system into distinct functional zones: UV-C sources are segmented to target specific surfaces requiring disinfection, while UV-A sources are segmented to provide safe ambient lighting. This segmentation allows each zone to operate at optimal intensity levels without compromising human safety, as the high-intensity UV-C is confined to narrow beams directed at surfaces rather than human-occupied spaces.
3Device complexity
If single wavelength UV source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but disinfection versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple UV light sources with different wavelengths (UV-C and UV-A) and different beam angles into a single integrated array. This combination maintains relatively simple device structure while providing versatile disinfection capabilities, as the multiple light sources are controlled together as a coordinated system rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The UV light array achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both UV-C and UV-A sources with different beam angles, allowing the same device to perform various disinfection tasks: narrow-beam UV-C for targeted surface disinfection, wide-beam UV-A for ambient area disinfection, and combined modes for comprehensive disinfection. This universality is achieved without significantly increasing device complexity through integrated control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances disinfection efficacy by targeting bacteria and viruses with focused UV-C radiation while reducing exposure to harmful wavelengths, ensuring safer environments for human presence.
Implementation Method 1
Wavelengths between about 190 nm and 300 nm may be strongly absorbed by nucleic acids, which may result in defects in an organism's genome
Implementation Method 2
A radiation generating system comprising multiple light sources with different centroid wavelengths and beam angles, allowing for spatial control of UV radiation distribution
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention provides a radiation generating system (1000) comprising one or more first light sources (110) and one or more second light sources (120), wherein:- the one or more first light sources (110) and the one or more second light sources (120) are solid state light sources;- the one or more first light sources (110) are configured to generate in an operational mode first light source light (111) having a first centroid wavelength (λc1) defined within a wavelength range of at maximum 380 nm;- the one or more second light sources (120) are configured to generate in an operational mode second light source light (121) having a second centroid wavelength (λc2) defined within the wavelength range of at maximum 420 nm; wherein λc2>λc1;- the radiation generating system (1000) is configured to provide a beam of radiation (1001) comprising one or more of (i) a first beam (2111) comprising first light source light (111) having a first beam angle (α1) defined by full width half maxima and (ii) a second beam (2121) comprising second light source light (121) having a second beam angle (α2) defined by full width half maxima; wherein the first beam (2111) and the second beam (2121) at least partly overlap, and wherein α1<α2.